MUNCIE, Ind. — Ball State men's basketball earned its first victory this season with a 73-69 home-opening win over Omaha, a game that went from blowout to nail-biter.
The Cardinals (1-1) led Omaha (1-1) by as much as 29 points in the first half on Saturday, only to have the tables turned in the second frame and see their lead dwindle to as little as one point. They struggled in the second half of the first game of the season as well, which head coach James Whitford attributed to youth, inexperience and a lapse in focus.
Still, the team playing in front of home fans for the first time since the 2019-2020 season buckled down in the final few minutes to hold on to the win.